stl vs OrbitCAD
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ with what reviewers say about each.
stl
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stl-er is the world's first AI-powered 3D model generator built for 3D printing. Simply describe any object in plain text โ and get a fully parametric, functional 3D model in seconds. No CAD experience needed. HOW IT WORKS 1. Describe what you want (e.g., "phone stand with cable slot") 2. AI generates a precise 3D model using CAD 3. Adjust dimensions with live parameter sliders 4. Download the STL file โ ready for your 3D printer KEY FEATURES โข AI-Powered Generation โ From text prompt to 3D model in seconds โข Live Parameter Sliders โ Fine-tune dimensions, rounding, and details in real-time โข AI Refinement โ Modify designs with follow-up prompts ("make it taller", "add ventilation holes") โข Instant STL Downloads โ Export files ready for any 3D printer or slicer โข 3D Preview โ Rotate and inspect your model before downloading โข Community Library โ Browse, remix, and share models created by other makers โข Cross-Platform โ Seamlessly sync between iPhone, iPad, and Web PERFECT FOR โข 3D printing enthusiasts and makers โข DIY builders and hobbyists โข Product designers and engineers โข Educators and students โข Anyone who wants custom 3D models without learning CAD software WHY stl-er? Traditional CAD software has a steep learning curve. AI model generators produce meshes that aren't optimized for printing. stl-er combines the precision of parametric CAD with the simplicity of natural language โ every model is mathematically exact, fully customizable, and ready to print. Every design is solid, manifold, and slicer-ready. Start creating. Now. Terms of Use: https://www.stl-er.com/terms-conditions/ Privacy Policy: https://www.stl-er.com/privacy-policy/
OrbitCAD
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OrbitCAD turns plain-English descriptions into real, engineering-grade mechanical parts โ no CAD training required. Just describe what you need: "spur gear, module 2, 24 teeth" or "arm joint, 40mm bore" โ and OrbitCAD generates accurate, parametric 3D geometry in seconds. Rotate, inspect, and export it as STEP or STL for 3D printing or professional CAD workflows. WHAT YOU CAN DESIGN - Gears โ spur, helical, bevel, worm - Planetary gearboxes - Shafts, couplings, and drive components - Robotics parts โ arm joints, mounts, and more - Drone propellers and custom blade geometry - And an expanding library of mechanical components BUILT FOR REAL ENGINEERING Every part is generated with accurate dimensions, correct tooth profiles, and proper mechanical relationships โ not approximations. Inspect wall thickness, diameters, and tolerances directly in the app before you export. EXPORT READY Download STEP files for professional CAD software, or STL for 3D printing โ straight from your phone. Whether you're prototyping a robotics project, need a quick replacement part, or just want to explore mechanical design without opening a full CAD suite, OrbitCAD gets you from idea to exportable geometry in one conversation. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: stl at 3 against OrbitCAD's 1. On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS
Both are free to download. stl sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and OrbitCAD sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
| Parameter | stl | OrbitCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | โ | Every 6 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod โ better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 โ better | 16.4 |
| Further details โ not scored | ||
| Size | 84 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | THOMAS CHRISTIAN HAGNAUER | Aldo HernandezCalzada |
In-app purchases
stl
- Premium โ 100 AI Models/mo$5.991 Month
- Pro โ 500 AI Models/mo$15.991 Month
- Premium โ 100 AI Models/mo$59.991 Year
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- Pro โ 500 AI Models/mo$159.991 Year
- Pro Credit Top-Up$15.99
OrbitCAD
- OrbitCAD Pro$9.991 Month
- STL Export Credit$0.99
- STEP Export Credit$2.99









